The 2011 E550 is the perfect car...here's why
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 87
From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
I can't say enough about the NA E550. Although day to day driving I rarely use the available power except the occasional on ramp. One thing I truely love about this car is it is sooo quiet. I can cruise down the road at 75 and not even hear the motor at all and barely any road noise. It's like driving an electric vehicle. I just don't get how they can make an engine so quiet and has to be the quietest engine Mercedes has ever built and by far. On the other hand I have an older e320 I still love but the engine noise sounds like a Nissan Ultima.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
I am in love with my car and I feel compelled to write about it.
...the air matic suspension that can give a jekyll and Hyde quality, the insanely comfortable seats and interior and the best audio system I've ever had and I'm smitten..... Mercedes may have just found itself a lifelong devotee...
...the air matic suspension that can give a jekyll and Hyde quality, the insanely comfortable seats and interior and the best audio system I've ever had and I'm smitten..... Mercedes may have just found itself a lifelong devotee...
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 42
From: North of San Francisco
14 E550, 07 E550, 69 Mach I, 65 Hipo, 66 Fairlane GTA Conv, 66 Fairlane GT
I've had my E550 for about six months now and agree with most of the other comments thus far. The E550 replaced an '01 W210 E55 (218k miles). For me, the E550 is almost the same car but more refined.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 251
E63s AMG
I've had my E550 for about six months now and agree with most of the other comments thus far. The E550 replaced an '01 W210 E55 (218k miles). For me, the E550 is almost the same car but more refined.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
Last edited by Ed99; May 12, 2014 at 11:04 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
E89 Z4
Do you guys have the "M" mode appear in the transmission presets for your E550s? I never figured out what one has to do to make it appear. Do you need to have the sports package? Pedal shifters on steering wheel? What does it take?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I've had my E550 for about six months now and agree with most of the other comments thus far. The E550 replaced an '01 W210 E55 (218k miles). For me, the E550 is almost the same car but more refined.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
The seven speed is silky smooth compared to the five speed. The overdrive is nice and my all-around MPG is 26.7 for the last 7,000 miles (vs 25 for my AMG). I regularly crack off 28-29 MPG on my 150 r/t commute with a high of 30.5 so far. The torque is great and normal freeway passing is done with ease.
My only disappointments are:
1) The handling and braking which are a bit inferior but this is partially due the the smaller rim size (17 vs 18) and smaller tire footprint (245/245 vs 245/275).
2) The tranny does have a lag when you punch it and have to drop down a few gears. Part of this is from to the lower RPM start point due to the overdrive (1,600 vs 2,000 on the freeway).
Overall, I enjoyed the E55 more but the E550 is a more comfortable for my daily commute.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 42
From: North of San Francisco
14 E550, 07 E550, 69 Mach I, 65 Hipo, 66 Fairlane GTA Conv, 66 Fairlane GT
Wow that's a lot of miles on your 2001 e55. I still have mine which I bought new! It only has 60,000 miles and a near full Kleeman modification including the compressor which boosts the power to over 500hp, headers and cpu programing. I also spent considerable money upgrading the stereo so we are married to each other, as it would only sell for a fraction of what it is worth to me! Thanks. Regards. Ned.
. I did add an 8" sub but otherwise the car was stock. Except for normal wear and tear on the suspension, the car was running perfect when I sold it with 218,000. In the back of my mind I keep thinking I sold off was is the equivalent of a 1965/66 GT350 for a non-CJ Mach 1 - something rare for something good but generic - time will tell.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
You did everything to your W210 that I wanted to do to mine - more HP and more Db . I did add an 8" sub but otherwise the car was stock. Except for normal wear and tear on the suspension, the car was running perfect when I sold it with 218,000.
In the back of my mind I keep thinking I sold off was is the equivalent of a 1965/66 GT350 for a non-CJ Mach 1 - something rare for something good but generic - time will tell.
. I did add an 8" sub but otherwise the car was stock. Except for normal wear and tear on the suspension, the car was running perfect when I sold it with 218,000. In the back of my mind I keep thinking I sold off was is the equivalent of a 1965/66 GT350 for a non-CJ Mach 1 - something rare for something good but generic - time will tell.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
My e63s is a great car... But if weren't for the trans issues I had in my 14 e550.... I think the e550 is the perfect luxury sedan with a touch of sport infused in the mix. Smooth, quiet, ridiculous power, solid construction and beautiful Benz visage....
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
How do you like the mdx? I have a 2011 that I think is great. Do you have any sense of how your new one compares to the older model? Some reviewers have complained about the dual screen infotainment system. Do you agree with their dislike of it. Thanks. Regards. Ned.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Love the drive and tight build in the mdx. We have gotten used to the tech... Steeping learning curve and a few bugs... But no horror stories yet as I've read about in the mdx forums. Solid build and smooth trans... Boringly unremarkable acceleration compared to the g35x and of course the Benz.... But love the third row and glad we didn't have to go the minivan route. The car is amazing looking and the led lamps are brilliant. Awesome sound system... Had a 2004 TL and loved the ELS system in that... This one is even better. We have the tech entertainment awd package
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 87
From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
. The E550 is a bit a jack of all trades. I am VERY happy with mine . Yes at times I would love to have sports car but with only room for only one car in the garage (in addition to my wife's), the E550 is the perfect choice.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
I picked up my 2010 white/pano/P2 E550 in November of 2009. My 39 month lease expired and I couldn't give her back. I bought the car and don't have any regrets. I absolutely love this car..
Vault like cabin, effortless acceleration, great power, super quiet, (literally eats highway miles), very comfortable and that front end! To me the front end of this car is pure beauty with amg pack pre-facelift + the hockey sticks.. Love it..
Powertrain/Tranny- A+
Suspension - A
Exterior design -A (taillights which I didn't like at first, I've grown to admire)
Interior design -B (I always felt that there was a little too much cheap feeling hard plastic placed in some areas of this car, particularly the door areas but it's def built to last in there. Strong materials.. The soft nappa from my 08 e63 while better looking and feeling, certainly not as tough and wears easily)
Leather seats- A+ (While wide and comfy the beauty of these seats are in the grain of leather,while supple they feel rough and strong. These seats just don't wear at all! My seats literally look as new as the day I got the car in the fall of 09.. The seats are a throwback to the old Benz vehicles , built to last and I appreciate that.
handle/steering -B (this is a 5,000+ lb vehicle and I didn't buy it to take corners but at times in comfort mode it certainly feels a little floaty but overall the car handles better and appears more alert than the sleepier W211 E550.. In sport mode it drops and tightens up for improved handling albeit the bumps are felt more.. Overall no real complaint in this dept..
This is a great car. GoodLuck with it!
Vault like cabin, effortless acceleration, great power, super quiet, (literally eats highway miles), very comfortable and that front end! To me the front end of this car is pure beauty with amg pack pre-facelift + the hockey sticks.. Love it..
Powertrain/Tranny- A+
Suspension - A
Exterior design -A (taillights which I didn't like at first, I've grown to admire)
Interior design -B (I always felt that there was a little too much cheap feeling hard plastic placed in some areas of this car, particularly the door areas but it's def built to last in there. Strong materials.. The soft nappa from my 08 e63 while better looking and feeling, certainly not as tough and wears easily)
Leather seats- A+ (While wide and comfy the beauty of these seats are in the grain of leather,while supple they feel rough and strong. These seats just don't wear at all! My seats literally look as new as the day I got the car in the fall of 09.. The seats are a throwback to the old Benz vehicles , built to last and I appreciate that.
handle/steering -B (this is a 5,000+ lb vehicle and I didn't buy it to take corners but at times in comfort mode it certainly feels a little floaty but overall the car handles better and appears more alert than the sleepier W211 E550.. In sport mode it drops and tightens up for improved handling albeit the bumps are felt more.. Overall no real complaint in this dept..
This is a great car. GoodLuck with it!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I picked up my 2010 white/pano/P2 E550 in November of 2009. My 39 month lease expired and I couldn't give her back. I bought the car and don't have any regrets. I absolutely love this car..
Vault like cabin, effortless acceleration, great power, super quiet, (literally eats highway miles), very comfortable and that front end! To me the front end of this car is pure beauty with amg pack pre-facelift + the hockey sticks.. Love it..
Powertrain/Tranny- A+
Suspension - A
Exterior design -A (taillights which I didn't like at first, I've grown to admire)
Interior design -B (I always felt that there was a little too much cheap feeling hard plastic placed in some areas of this car, particularly the door areas but it's def built to last in there. Strong materials.. The soft nappa from my 08 e63 while better looking and feeling, certainly not as tough and wears easily)
Leather seats- A+ (While wide and comfy the beauty of these seats are in the grain of leather,while supple they feel rough and strong. These seats just don't wear at all! My seats literally look as new as the day I got the car in the fall of 09.. The seats are a throwback to the old Benz vehicles , built to last and I appreciate that.
handle/steering -B (this is a 5,000+ lb vehicle and I didn't buy it to take corners but at times in comfort mode it certainly feels a little floaty but overall the car handles better and appears more alert than the sleepier W211 E550.. In sport mode it drops and tightens up for improved handling albeit the bumps are felt more.. Overall no real complaint in this dept..
This is a great car. GoodLuck with it!
Vault like cabin, effortless acceleration, great power, super quiet, (literally eats highway miles), very comfortable and that front end! To me the front end of this car is pure beauty with amg pack pre-facelift + the hockey sticks.. Love it..
Powertrain/Tranny- A+
Suspension - A
Exterior design -A (taillights which I didn't like at first, I've grown to admire)
Interior design -B (I always felt that there was a little too much cheap feeling hard plastic placed in some areas of this car, particularly the door areas but it's def built to last in there. Strong materials.. The soft nappa from my 08 e63 while better looking and feeling, certainly not as tough and wears easily)
Leather seats- A+ (While wide and comfy the beauty of these seats are in the grain of leather,while supple they feel rough and strong. These seats just don't wear at all! My seats literally look as new as the day I got the car in the fall of 09.. The seats are a throwback to the old Benz vehicles , built to last and I appreciate that.
handle/steering -B (this is a 5,000+ lb vehicle and I didn't buy it to take corners but at times in comfort mode it certainly feels a little floaty but overall the car handles better and appears more alert than the sleepier W211 E550.. In sport mode it drops and tightens up for improved handling albeit the bumps are felt more.. Overall no real complaint in this dept..
This is a great car. GoodLuck with it!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
Completely agree about the Airmatic on rough roads and potholes. I just replaced my tires and had one with a big bubble from a pothole this winter. I keep the setting on normal and rarely move to sport due to rough city roads here. That is my one and only complaint with the Airmatic system as I love it on a wide open smooth highway. The 550 sucks down onto the highway and at 90 it is smooth as glass.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
Completely agree about the Airmatic on rough roads and potholes. I just replaced my tires and had one with a big bubble from a pothole this winter. I keep the setting on normal and rarely move to sport due to rough city roads here. That is my one and only complaint with the Airmatic system as I love it on a wide open smooth highway. The 550 sucks down onto the highway and at 90 it is smooth as glass.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 278
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
2014 Sport White on black
Best argument is gas mileage. E550 gets terrible gas mileage and you will never really enjoy the HP (during daily driving because if you speed up you lose gas). where as the E350 (2012 and 2014) gets better gas mileage and has adequate power when needed plus is pretty much is the same car internally. If I want a gas guzzler with power I would opt for the AMG, at least it looks cooler. The E550 just looks like a E350 with a different trunk badge that is hard to see unless you really look for it (or know the difference). I got the same argument with my Infiniti M45. Little difference between the M35 except the MPG in which M45 lost. If it were up to me, I would rather purchase the E350 cab/convert sport fully loaded than the E550 sedan. In my opinion, better looking, with more amenities, gas mileage (also can get a better color combination) and price.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
Best argument is gas mileage. E550 gets terrible gas mileage and you will never really enjoy the HP (during daily driving because if you speed up you lose gas). where as the E350 (2012 and 2014) gets better gas mileage and has adequate power when needed plus is pretty much is the same car internally. If I want a gas guzzler with power I would opt for the AMG, at least it looks cooler. The E550 just looks like a E350 with a different trunk badge that is hard to see unless you really look for it (or know the difference). I got the same argument with my Infiniti M45. Little difference between the M35 except the MPG in which M45 lost. If it were up to me, I would rather purchase the E350 cab/convert sport fully loaded than the E550 sedan. In my opinion, better looking, with more amenities, gas mileage (also can get a better color combination) and price.
The 350 is a car for a non-driver. Not enough punch for me at all. In a perfect world I would like the AMG you suggest, but the 2011 did not include 4Matic. I live in a city with extreme winters so that is not an option. Hence, the 550 is the perfect blend for me.
So rather than point out the flaws - let's enjoy the 550 for its merits in this thread!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
Yes, the E550 is way more than just a different badge on the trunk. You must be on something, plus I get 27 MPG on the highway with this "gas hog". I drove the 350 early on and it did not excite me at all. I refuse to drive boring cars. This thread is about the E550. You can start one about the 350 if you are so inclined to let the world know all about it.
Last edited by RA72825; Jul 7, 2014 at 09:33 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: Canada
MB E550 2010
I am not sure about this statement
E550 gets terrible gas mileage and you will never really enjoy the HP
I have put a side-by-side comparison of gas consumption for MB 2014 E550/E350 and MB 2011 E550/E350. I really don’t see that big of difference in gas consumption
This is the link of the site for the gas consumption
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....30395&id=30394
E550 gets terrible gas mileage and you will never really enjoy the HP
I have put a side-by-side comparison of gas consumption for MB 2014 E550/E350 and MB 2011 E550/E350. I really don’t see that big of difference in gas consumption
This is the link of the site for the gas consumption
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....30395&id=30394
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
While I don't always get to enjoy the hp on my daily commute, it is totally worth it when you get the chance to punch it. And I average 16mpg which is really bad. You only live once.
